Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman, popularly known as Alan Rickman, was an English actor and director. He received worldwide recognition for his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series.
Rickman was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company of modern and classical theatre productions.
His other notable projects include Die Hard, Alice in Wonderland, Galaxy Quest, Truly, Madly, Deeply, Sense and Sensibility, Dogma, Love Actually, and Eye in the Sky.
On January 14, 2016, Alan passed away after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Six years after his passing, a secret journal of Rickman is telling people about his personal experiences with the HP movie franchise, his costars, and why he kept working in the film after being diagnosed with cancer.
According to his personal diary, Alan had several issues with one of the movie’s main characters, Miss Hermione Granger.
“Rickman had strong criticism of Emma Watson’s performance in the early films, according to extracts from the actor’s diary,” Insider wrote.
“He also made the remarks around the same time that he wanted to quit the franchise due to frustrations over the constant work and time that went into the series.”
While discussing his scenes with the children in the third Harry Potter film, Prisoner of Azkaban, Rickman stated that they needed to work more on their lines and professionalism than anyone else.
“These kids need directing. They don’t know their lines, and Emma [Watson]’s diction is this side of Albania at times,” he wrote.
The Die Hard actor also sarcastically termed the movie as ‘fabulous’ while discussing that he was blacked out on the set.
“The day got off to a fabulous start with the screen guillotining on to my head, a sudden, swift blackout followed by day-long melancholy. Alfonso [Cuarón, director] was quietly ballistic with me. I love him too much to let it last too long so I wailed offset and we sorted it out. He’s under the usual HP pressure and even he starts rehearsing cameras before actors.”
Speaking of the movie’s main lead, Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, the boy who lived, Alan said that he wouldn’t make a successful actor but would indeed direct or produce movies in the future.
“8.40am pick-up Corridor with Dan Radcliffe. He’s so concentrated now. Serious and focused – but with a sense of fun. I still don’t think he’s really an actor but he will undoubtedly direct/produce. And he has such quiet, dignified support from his parents. Nothing is pushed.”
Rickman was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 before the production of Harry Potter’s fifth movie: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In January 2006, the actor underwent a surgical procedure and got his prostate removed.
And by the end of January 2016, he agreed to return to the HP franchise.
The actor also discussed his communication struggles with his fellow actors in his journal.
“I realise as soon as that [Snape’s] ring and costume go on – something happens. It becomes alien to be chatty, smiley, open. The character narrows me down, tightens me up. Not good qualities on a film set. I have never been less communicative with a crew. Fortunately, Dan [Radcliffe] fills that role with ease and charm. And youth.”
Thoughts on Alan Rickman’s statements in his personal diary? Drop a comment.
Sources: Insider – The Guardian
